Finally, a model with the shape, comfort and power traditionalists yearn for. By BRUCE NEWTON.

Mercedes-Benz E350 Avantgarde

Sometimes the best thing about driving a Mercedes-Benz is looking along the bonnet at that three-pointed star. There's just something special about it.

Such has been the spread of Benz's ambition into vehicle categories beyond its heartland that the three-pointed star was sometimes just about the only thing those cars had going for them.

That is not the case with the E350 sedan, a car aimed at the heart of the Stuttgart manufacturer's traditional audience. On sale here since last month, it's big, fast, comfortable, rewarding to drive, technologically impressive and has that classically reassuring Benz (dare we say prestigious?) shape.

The engine is the heart of the matter. First seen here in the second-generation SLK convertible launched late last year, the aluminium, 3.5-litre V6 signals a change in design philosophy by Benz.

This is the first Benz V6 engine with variable camshaft control on intake and exhaust sides. The result is 200 kW at 6000 rpm and 350 Nm between 2400 and 5000 rpm - up 37 kW and 35 Nm over the old E320's 3.2-litre V6.

Fuel consumption (on premium unleaded petrol) is impressive at a claimed 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres, compared to 9.9 for the old engine. Naturally, the 3.5-litre also meets the Euro IV emissions standard.

On the other side of the ledger, performance is also improved. Acceleration to 100 km/h is claimed at 6.9 seconds, compared to the old car's 7.7 seconds official time.

Those improved claims are made with the engine mated to the new, seven-speed, 7G-Tronic, automatic gearbox. 7G-Tronic is the world's first production seven-speed automatic and has been on sale in Australia in some of the most expensive Benz models since early last year, replacing a five-speed auto. Its appearance in the E-Class is a classic example of how Benz technology flows down the range.

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Why seven speeds? Improved fuel economy, performance and quietness (lower engine revs at a given speed) are the reasons cited.

You might think that seven speeds mean this is an engine with a narrow spread of power and torque, but that is not the case. In fact, with so much power and torque being delivered from so low in the rev range, the engine makes the E350 an easy and flexible car to drive. Right from idle there's real performance for overtaking, overpowering hills and even towing.

The E350's "on-demand" feel is familiar to anyone who has spent time in an Australian six. But drivers of local metal wouldn't be so familiar with the quietness and lack of vibration of it all. There's only a marginal climb in noise levels beyond 5000 rpm, albeit accompanied by a rather flat and uninspiring exhaust note.

As you would expect, the gearbox is disciplined and almost imperceptible in its changes. But there are just so many ratios that you can't help noticing them, particularly when cruising up to open-road speed on a light throttle. At 70 km/h you are already in fourth gear, with three gears still to go, the changes clocking in at 2000 rpm. Full-throttle changes come at 6000 rpm.

This proficient drivetrain helps overcome the E350's substantial kerb weight, as does the rear-wheel-drive chassis. The Avantgarde, with its suspension 15 millimetres lower than the Elegance, feels cohesive and confidence-inspiring on the road, as well as comfortable.

You should also be able to make yourself comfortable behind a nicely sized steering wheel that adjusts for reach and rake. There are easily understandable controls mounted on the door. Why can't anyone else think of that? The same applies to the one-touch cruise control and speed limiter.

But then Benz lets things down by plonking tiny and almost useless exterior rear-view mirrors on the doors.

Instrument presentation is clean and modern with its white dials and back-lit design, a look that ties it in with the more modern elements of the cabin such as the rather complex Command system with its big sat-nav screen and the overhead light and console.

For rear-seat passengers there is enough space to make yourself comfortable - two adults should have enough head and leg room.

Storage space around the cabin is adequate, although the glove box is too small.

At $126,500, the Avantgarde is $2000 more expensive than the Elegance and both are substantially more expensive than comparable luxury cars.

All the essential ingredients are there. Benz has upgraded the standard equipment list to include parking assistance, but there are still plenty of options.

The E350 is not the best value in its class, but it is the best all-rounder, with a unique feel and presence. And it's not just because of that star up front.